TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES FOR SUBTEST IN “READING” OF TOFRL (B1) PREPARATION

Abstract

The paper analyses the tasks of the Intermediate level State Test in Russian as a Foreign Language (e.g. subtest in “Reading”) in order to determine the most effective test-taking strategies. A productive approach to test accomplishment helps to form a higher degree of stress tolerance in the process of taking the exam and improving its results. The research analyses eight subtests, containing 28 tasks, according to four parameters. The parameters include 1) congruence of the texts’ volume, types and percentage of unfamiliar words to the Russian as a Foreign Language Requirements (Intermediate Level); 2) congruence of the tests’ structure, instructions for them and types of test items to the general test requirements; 3) congruence of reading techniques with the Russian as a Foreign Language Requirements (Intermediate Level); 4) test design. As a result, the paper describes test-taking strategies for taking the subtest in “Reading”. The practical application of these strategies can reduce the influence of factors, not directly related to the Russian as a foreign language proficiency, on the exam result.